| This week I’m jumping ahead and talking about retirement. A few days ago I met with one of my oldest clients who is still working full-time at the age of 75. We chatted about an article I recently read regarding common misconceptions around retirement. He found four of them below very valid and added one of his own.
1- Life follows a straight line.
Some believe that life is made up of four major stages: get an education, start a career path, get married, and ultimately reach retirement, where you can savor your well-deserved downtime.
In reality, life is incredibly flexible and full of possibilities at every age. People in their 60s and 70s frequently embark on new careers and start new relationships. Many young individuals achieve a balanced life well before reaching 60. Why wait for retirement to live the life you truly desire? Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so take time every day to engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
2- You are too old to learn new tricks.
As kids, we are very excited about bombarding our parents with unrelenting random questions. Our curiosity seems to diminish as we get older. Brains are akin to muscles, yearning for exercise. Engaging in any form of learning not only keeps us connected to the world but also fosters brain health and memory retention.
Take the plunge into areas that truly captivate you and never stop asking questions. For example, I love learning about things I have never been exposed to before which is why I love finding interesting documentaries.
3- Your best years are behind you
Today’s consumer society has a pervasive notion that everything and every one comes with an expiration date. People are living longer than ever before and recent research suggests at least half of the babies born this year will live to be 100 years old. With many years ahead, it’s unrealistic to consider expiring at 65 with nearly 40 years of life left to live.
When you see that active and happy elder lady or gentleman, look to notice the secrets they hold. Ask them about the physical, mental, and community activities that keep them engaged and fulfilled. You’ll be surprised to discover how most of them will consider their age to be nothing more than a number.
4- Thinking about death doesn’t help anything or anyone
Feeling sadness when things change or we lose something can be a really beautiful way to remember how important it is to be alive.
The concept of impermanence is taught in many cultures, languages, and religions. In Buddhist teachings of impermanence, every conditioned aspect of life is transient in nature, subject to arising and passing. This includes all the smells, tastes, feelings in our body, sounds, sights, and thoughts. These experiences come and go, and are unstable even when they seem to be permanent.
Accepting death can knock on the door at any time helps me fight back chasing mindless pursuits and nurturing anxieties. It pushes me to be more present and concentrate on things that are actually meaningful to me.
5- Keep working as long as you can because once you retire you will age faster
Listen to your body and your mind. Visit your plans regularly and make adjustments as needed. It’s all about keeping the right balance for where you are in your life. Sometimes it is a small adjustment of your work hours other times it’s a year-long sabbatical. Take time to listen and do what’s right for you.
In summary, my top advice is to be kind to yourself and trust your instincts. Everyone’s journey is different, the path is unique and it’s always full of ups and downs.
Keep doing what makes you happy, practice and improve your talents, and celebrate your achievements along the way.
– Burak Sarac, Team Lead
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